A volunteer packs relief goods which will be distributed to the victims of Super Typhoon Haima, local name Lawin, at a warehouse in Pasay city, metro Manila, Philippines October 20, 2016.
REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

The People’s Republic of China through the Chinese Embassy announced on Monday that it will provide assistance to the Filipinos affected by the Typhoon Lawin (international name Haima). The Chinese government has pledged to provide 5 million RMB (P35 million) to Philippine relief efforts while the embassy and Red Cross Society of China are also donating.

Here are three fast facts about China offering donations for the Typhoon Lawin casualties.

1. The Chinese Embassy said it provided a total of P90 million to the Philippine relief efforts for Typhoon Lawin-hit areas.

The donation worth P35 million came from the government of China. Another P50 million is granted by the Chinese embassy to the farmers and fishermen in the affected regions, while the Red Cross Society to China donated $100,000 (4.8 million).

The embassy added that it is confident that the affected families in the stricken areas will overcome the calamity and return to their normal work and lives as soon as possible under the leadership of President Duterte.

2. The Chinese embassy also released photos of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua handing a piece of paper to Philippine President in Malacañang.

The photos showed Duterte holding the piece of paper in one hand, and the other photo showed the president shaking hands with the Chinese Ambassador.

(L) Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and (R) President Rodrigo Duterte during the handing of donation from the Chinese embassy to aid Typhoon Lawin victims.
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
(L) Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua shaking hands with(R) President Rodrigo Duterte.
Embassy of the People's Republic of China

3. After China confirmed its donations, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo clarified his earlier statement about the country being capable of addressing the crisis without foreign aid.

“Pasensya na kung ang dating ng komento na iyon ay kaya na natin ito at hindi na natin kailangan ng foreign aid (Please excuse if the previous comment suggested that we can do it alone and we do not need any foreign aid),” MSN News reported Taguiwalo, as saying. Taguiwalo added that the country is willing to accept unconditional assistance and donations from other countries.

What do you think of China donating to the Philippines to aid Typhoon Lawin relief? Let us know in the comments section below.

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